Based on extensive research and original interviews, this intimate biography reveals the complexities of Gandolfini's character, his rise to fame, and his lasting impact on television and film. "A riveting look inside the mind of a towering talent, this is a must forSopranosfans."-Publishers Weekly "A fast-moving, entertaining bio of a Hollywood mensch."-Kirkus InGandolfini,critic and historian Jason Bailey traces the twinned stories of the man and the unforgettable roles he played. Gandolfini's roots were working class, raised in northern New Jersey as the son of Italian immigrants, and acting was something he loved for a long time before he could see it as a career. It wasn't until he was well into his bohemian twenties that he dedicated himself to a life on the stage and screen.